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Sunday, March 30, 2014

An Interview With Ann Alexander And Her Fantastic Venture Montisi Magica

Born and brought up in Manchester
England, she enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer for over 25 years before deciding to have a complete change and she is now trying to be less of a
workaholic. She divides her time between the UK where she does some Consulting work and
occasional documentary programmes for BBC radio, and Tuscany in Italy where she has a wonderful travel business – Montisi Magica. She has 2 wonderful children
both grown up and independent now and a gorgeous cockapoo called Bella.

A very warm welcome to Ann Alexander and thanks for accepting an invite for this interview. Here we go...

You
fell in love with Italy many years back. When was this exactly and how did it
happen?

I had been going to Tuscany for some
years on holiday but I really fell in love with it when I spent a month in
Florence learning Italian in 2008.

What
was the reason behind you selling off your law firm?

My children grew up and my priorities
changed. I had had a wonderful and hugely satisfying career as a lawyer,
helping many people and changing systems for the better and I decided that I
wanted to do something completely different.

What
were various alternatives for you at that moment when you sold your law firm to
pursue as your passion or career, or both?

The two things I really wanted to do
were to learn to speak Italian and to make a documentary for BBC Radio 4 – and
I achieved them both!

You
decided to go for an intensive Italian course. When was this? How intensive was
this? And what was the reason behind going for this course?

I spent a month in Florence at the
British Institute learning Italian in a complete immersion course. I felt this
was the best way to learn. The teacher was amazing and after the first 10
minutes of the first class, she spoke no English! Before I began I had a
handful of words but once I’d finished the course which was huge fun I
understood how the language worked and was determined to try and speak
fluently.

How
do you define Tuscan life?

Living in a tiny village in the Tuscan
countryside is like living a dream! It’s stunningly beautiful, very relaxed,
full of amazing people and experiences and just so much to see and do. And the
food and wine? There is nothing like it anywhere else!

How
your awareness towards Montisi and the richness of its surrounding area happen?
When was this?

When I rented a house for a month in
Tuscany I visited Montisi for the first time. I fell in love with this
beautiful medieval hilltop village.

How
big is this area?

It is part of the Crete Senesi, a large
area of Southern Tuscany best known for its big skies, rolling hills and
signature cypress trees.

What
is so special about this area? It’s people? It’s culture and traditions?

It’s very beautiful – stunning scenery,
historic villages, friendly people and so much to see. They really live life to
the full and there are frequent festivals to enjoy.

What
makes Siena as one of your favourite places in the world? What is so unique
about it?

It is magical! Full of history, little
has changed in hundreds of years and the architecture is stunning.

Tell
us about the magnificent 3-day medieval pageant that happens every year?

The Giostra di Simone in August each
year records events from hundreds of years ago and the village holds dinners in
the streets, medieval processions and a contest on horseback between its
districts. Such fun – and I was honoured to be the Dame in the procession last
year.

What
various compliments have you received from your visitors?

So many wonderful compliments:

We have been lucky enough to have been on many holidays over the
years and this one has been up there with the very best. Ann promised us a
variety of walks, food and wine and most of all her personal attention. She
exceeded our expectations in every category. Nothing was too much trouble and
on every occasion did something which surprised us. She hasn’t got a Trip
Advisor page yet but when she does we’re sure all her reviewers will give her
top marks; we certainly will

Trudie and Will Kintish, September 2013

Ann, I just want to say
a huge thank you for organising such a wonderful week in Tuscany. Montisi
Magica certainly lives up to its name – it was a magical experience, created by
your warm hospitality and attention to detail. Nothing was ever too much
trouble and our smallest wishes or needs were met.

Sue Webster,
Independent Business Consultant, September 2013 UK.

The Tuscan dream...Ann Alexander dedicates her time and tailor
makes your personal holiday adventures and experiences with warmth, fun and
unforgettable memories! Every email to phone call to meeting in person, Ann
really goes the extra mile to ensure you have a wonderful Tuscan holiday.

...thank you from the Ellenthorpes - July 2013 X

Tell
us about the pilot week that you scheduled in October 2012. How many people
were there in the group and from which countries/ places? What did they enjoy
most during their visit there?

There were 8 people all from the UK – 3
couples and 2 singles and none of them knew each other even the singles. They
enjoyed the whole thing – the cooking, the touring, the wine tasting, the
eating! - encouraging me to start the business but best of all they have
remained firm friends and have had a series of reunions.

How
many such tours planned and executed in 2013? Please share some success
stories, wonderful magical moments and feedbacks received.

Testimonials above! We had cookery
weeks, mixed Creative Breaks and walking and wine touring in 2013 with more
planned for 2014. http://www.montisimagica.com/testimonials/

Tell
us about wine tour of Tuscany?

This was a 10 night wine tour of Tuscany
for a group of Canadian tourists who stayed in Florence and Pienza, each day
visiting, touring and sampling different wineries with all sorts of extras
thrown in including truffle hunting!

Who
is Giancarlo Caldesi and how is he associated with your mission?

Giancarlo Caldesi is a well-known
Celebrity Chef, born in Tuscany but living and working in London where with his
wife Katie he runs two Italian restaurants and a very successful Cookery
School. I met them when I went to their cookery school in Tuscany many years
ago and Giancarlo came to Montisi last year and recreated over 50 dishes during
a week’s cookery school for my guests. It was such a success that he is
returning for two weeks this year http://www.montisimagica.com/a-week-in-tuscany-with-giancarlo-caldesi/

About your education

I was educated in Manchester and London
and became a lawyer because I wanted a ‘proper’ career. In those days choices
were limited and I remember my maths teacher telling my mother that ‘girls
couldn’t become accountants’!

What languages you can speak and write?

English and Italian with a smattering of
French.

What is your biggest source of inspiration in life?

My late uncle who inspired me to become
the lawyer I turned into.

What are your future plans?

To continue to enjoy life and helping my
guests to have magical holidays in Tuscany!

Your origin of birth and other countries you have
visited/ stayed.

Manchester England born and I have
visited various parts of Europe, the US and Asia.

Your favorite time of the day?

Morning

Your zodiac/ sunsign?

Scorpio

Ann Alexander

Montisi Magica

“Turn your dreams into the reality of a truly
memorable Tuscan getaway”